Ethiopian-Born Teen Invents Soap to Fight Skin Cancer

Early Life in Ethiopia and Love for Science

Heman Bekele’s journey began in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he was born before moving with his family to the United States at the age of four. In Ethiopia, he witnessed the toll that poverty took on people who toiled for hours under the country’s blistering sun, often without any protection for their skin. These early memories stayed with him, even after settling in Virginia, and opened his eyes to the harsh effects of the sun’s ultraviolet rays on human health. His parents had always emphasized sun safety – teaching Heman and his siblings to cover up and avoid too much direct sun – but as he grew older, Heman realized that many others weren’t as fortunate to have that guidance or resources for protection. This childhood perspective, split between the sunny streets of Addis Ababa and his new life in America, planted the first seeds of inspiration for what would become his groundbreaking idea.

From a very young age, Heman exhibited an extraordinary curiosity about science and how the world works. By the time he was seven, he was already concocting homemade “potions” – mixing dish soap, laundry detergent, and any household chemicals he could find – and hiding them under his bed to observe what might happen. “There was a lot of mixing together completely at random,” he recalls of those early experiments. This playful but determined tinkering (which once nearly ended in an accidental fire!) was a clear sign of Heman’s budding passion for discovery. Encouraged rather than discouraged by these experiments, he continued to nurture his scientific interest year after year. What began as childhood curiosity soon evolved into a driven pursuit to solve real-world problems – a trait that would define Heman’s teenage years.

Inspiration to Tackle Skin Cancer

As Heman grew, his scientific curiosity found a focus: the fight against skin cancer. In school and through personal research, he learned that skin cancer is a serious health issue not only in Ethiopia, but “everywhere around the world”. He couldn’t ignore the fact that those laborers he remembered in Ethiopia – and millions like them in other developing regions – were at risk of skin damage and cancer from constant sun exposure. What made this reality even more troubling to him was the cost and accessibility of treatment. He discovered that while skin cancer is often treatable, the average cost of care can be astronomical – around \$40,000 on a global average. “When I heard those really shocking statistics,” Heman says, “it really inspired me to create a more affordable and accessible solution.” he felt compelled to bridge the gap between a life-threatening illness and the ability of ordinary people (especially in low-income communities) to afford fighting it.

Heman began to ask hard questions: Why should a potentially life-saving treatment be out of reach for so many? And, what if there were a simple way to deliver therapy that didn’t require expensive equipment or hospital visits? These questions led him to think creatively. A few years ago, in the course of reading scientific literature, Heman learned about a drug called imiquimod – a topical medicine approved to treat certain skin cancers (usually as a prescription cream). This discovery was a turning point. Imiquimod works by rallying the body’s immune system to attack tumors, and Heman wondered if this power could be harnessed in a more accessible form. “What is one thing that is an internationally impactful idea, something that everyone can use, regardless of socioeconomic class?” he asked himself. The answer he arrived at was elegantly simple: soap. “Almost everyone uses soap and water for cleaning. So soap would probably be the best option,” Heman thought. If he could infuse a bar of soap with anti-cancer medication, then anyone who needed it could literally wash on a treatment as easily as washing their hands. This spark of an idea – using a common bar of soap as a vehicle to prevent or treat skin cancer – set Heman on a mission to develop what he called a “cancer-fighting soap.”

From Kitchen Experiment to Innovative Solution

Turning this bold idea into reality was no straightforward task. In the beginning, as an eighth-grader with a big vision, Heman had little more than his enthusiasm and his family’s kitchen to serve as a laboratory. He started formulating his first prototypes at home, applying the basic chemistry of soap-making (the saponification process) to create bars of soap mixed with various ingredients. “All it really requires is an emulsifier, some bases and a couple of chemicals,” he explained matter-of-factly, noting that he was able to do it safely and efficiently with household equipment. Of course, the real challenge was not just to make soap, but to make soap that carried an active drug. In these early stages, Heman improvised with whatever resources he had. He tinkered with formulations in his basement, tested different concentrations, and began figuring out how to incorporate the imiquimod and other supportive compounds into the soap. It was a classic example of grassroots innovation – a determined young scientist working with kitchen beakers and blenders instead of fancy lab instruments.

As the project gained momentum, Heman realized he would need additional expertise and resources to refine his invention. This led him to step beyond his home lab and seek mentorship in the wider scientific community. Demonstrating remarkable initiative, the teen reached out to researchers at local universities like the University of Virginia and Georgetown. Many were impressed by his vision and dedication. With their guidance – and especially with the help of his designated 3M mentor, Deborah Isabelle – Heman took his project to the next level. Deborah, a product engineer at 3M, helped Heman organize and structure his experiments and troubleshoot challenges in his soap formulation. Under her mentorship, Heman moved from just mixing ingredients to truly engineering a product. “I definitely couldn’t have done this all by myself,” he admits, grateful for the collaborative support that allowed his idea to mature. Over months of hard work, what started as a kitchen experiment evolved into a promising scientific innovation: a prototype Melanoma Treating Soap – a simple bar infused with cancer-fighting potential.

How a Bar of Soap Fights Skin Cancer

What makes Heman Bekele’s soap invention so groundbreaking is how it works. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary bar of soap – but it’s anything but ordinary. Heman named his creation Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS), and inside each bar is a carefully crafted blend of medicinal chemistry. The key ingredient is that immune-activating drug, imiquimod (from the class of compounds known as imidazoquinolines), which has been used in creams for conditions like melanoma and actinic keratosis. Heman’s soap is “charged with different cancer-fighting chemicals,” imiquimod being the main one. As one washes with the soap, these agents come into contact with the skin. Here’s the clever part: unlike normal soap that simply washes away, Bekele formulated his bar to leave behind microscopic but powerful medicine on the skin’s surface.

To achieve this, Heman harnessed nanotechnology. He found that simply mixing a drug into soap wasn’t enough – the medicinal compounds would just rinse off with the suds. The solution was to bind the active ingredients to a lipid-based nanoparticle that could penetrate and cling to the skin even after the soap is rinsed off. Lipid nanoparticles are tiny fat-like particles often used in drug delivery; in Heman’s soap, they act as vehicles that carry the imiquimod into the upper layers of the skin. This means that even after you finish washing, an invisible therapeutic film remains, delivering the drug to the targeted area. It’s similar to how a moisturizing soap leaves your skin feeling hydrated – except in this case, what’s left behind can reactivate immune cells to fight cancer. Specifically, the soap’s formula is designed to boost the activity of the skin’s dendritic cells, which are crucial for immune response. By reawakening these cells, the treatment can help the body recognize and destroy cancerous cells at the skin’s surface.

Heman’s prototype soap even has practical touches that show his thoughtfulness as an inventor. It has a slightly bumpy texture (which can act as an exfoliant) and a medicinal scent – signs that it’s packed with potent ingredients. He has also considered the soap’s usability in the environments that need it most: the bar comes in biodegradable packaging, since many low-resource communities may not have easy access to recycling facilities. All of these elements demonstrate the ingenuity of Heman’s innovation. He took a known cancer-fighting compound and invented a novel delivery mechanism for it, one that is simple, affordable, and user-friendly. It’s a marriage of cutting-edge science (nanoparticle drug delivery) with everyday convenience (a bar of soap) – a combination that could potentially save lives by making early skin cancer intervention as easy as washing your hands.

Challenges and Triumphs of a Young Innovator

Developing a cancer-treating soap as a 14-year-old was not without its challenges. As an African-born youth in a new country, Heman had to navigate unfamiliar territory in more ways than one. He was a teenager tackling a problem that even veteran scientists struggle with, and he had to invent his own path with limited means. One major challenge was resources: without a fancy laboratory at his disposal, Heman started with makeshift experiments at home. He had to ensure safety while handling chemicals in a home setting and learn complex concepts largely on his own. This required remarkable self-motivation and discipline. Another challenge was being taken seriously in the scientific community due to his age. Not every middle schooler is calling up university professors and biotech experts for advice – but that’s exactly what Heman did. It took courage to cold-call scientists as a teen, and even more perseverance to sift through scientific literature and experiment through trial and error. There were moments of frustration and things that “didn’t work the way \[he] expected” at first. For example, in one attempt, he realized he hadn’t followed a protocol correctly, which taught him to be meticulous and patient. Each setback became a learning experience that strengthened his resolve.

Heman overcame these hurdles through a combination of mentorship and sheer determination. His success in being selected as a finalist in the 3M competition opened doors to mentorship that many young scientists never have. With Deborah Isabelle’s guidance, he honed his experimental design and gained confidence in his results. He also learned to balance his ambitious project with his school responsibilities – essentially living the life of a student and a researcher at the same time. By the summer of 2023, after winning the contest, Heman even spent part of each weekday working in a professional lab (at Johns Hopkins University) to advance his research. This experience of juggling high school homework with laboratory work is challenging, but it’s one Heman embraces gladly. “I’m really passionate about skin-cancer research,” he says, which keeps him motivated to continue refining his invention even when things get tough. Through all of this, Heman’s identity as a young African innovator has been a source of strength. He has often mentioned that he never forgot where he came from, using his Ethiopian roots as a driving force to help under-resourced communities. In a field where young Black and African voices are underrepresented, Heman faced the implicit challenge of being a trailblazer. By succeeding, he has shown that talent and innovation know no age or ethnicity – all it takes is an opportunity and the will to work hard.

Recognition and Impact

Heman Bekele’s extraordinary work has not gone unnoticed. In October 2023, at just 14 years old, he entered his project in the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a U.S. national science competition for middle school students – and he emerged as the winner. Beating out hundreds of other bright young minds, Heman was crowned America’s Top Young Scientist 2023 for his skin cancer-treating soap. The judges were blown away by the creativity and potential impact of his invention. This first-place finish earned Heman a \$25,000 prize and, more importantly, a platform to further his research. “It may take years before such a product comes to market,” one report noted, but Heman is already working to bring his dream to fruition. Indeed, the recognition from 3M gave him validation that his idea wasn’t just novel – it was potentially transformative.

In the wake of the 3M Challenge, Heman’s story caught fire in the media and the scientific community. He became something of a science celebrity in his own right, attracting attention from major news outlets and even the editors of TIME magazine. In late 2023, TIME named Heman Bekele as its Kid of the Year for 2024, shining a national spotlight on the young inventor and putting him on the magazine’s cover as an icon of youth innovation. It’s an honor that recognizes not only Heman’s scientific achievement, but also his character and mission. “It’s that ambition – to say nothing of that selflessness – that has earned Heman recognition as TIME’s Kid of the Year,” TIME wrote, underscoring how his desire to help others stood out. Mentors and judges alike have described Heman in glowing terms. Deborah Isabelle praised him as “an incredibly bright, passionate and focused young man” who is also “compassionate and charismatic”, predicting that “with his curiosity and determination, I have no doubts he will change the world for the better.” Such acclaim at a young age could easily overwhelm, but Heman has taken it as motivation to push harder. True to form, he immediately spoke about using his \$25,000 prize to advance his research and to further his education. He knows that the awards are not an endpoint but just the beginning of a larger journey.

A Game-Changer for Low-Income Communities

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of Heman Bekele’s invention is what it could mean for cancer treatment in low-income communities around the world. Cost and accessibility have been front and center in Heman’s mind from the very start – they were the problem he set out to solve. His Skin Cancer Treating Soap is designed to be radically affordable. In fact, Heman estimates that it costs only about \$8.50 to produce a batch of 20 bars of the soap. That works out to roughly \$0.50 per bar, a price point that is virtually unheard of in the realm of cancer treatments. To put it in perspective, a single bar of Heman’s soap would cost less than a loaf of bread – whereas conventional skin cancer therapies (like surgeries, radiation, or specialized drugs) can run into tens of thousands of dollars. “A bar of soap is just so simple, so affordable, so accessible in comparison to these modern new skin cancer treatments,” Heman told ABC News, emphasizing the brilliance of using an everyday item to deliver care.

This innovation could be a game-changer in places where healthcare infrastructure is limited and people often cannot afford expensive treatments. In many developing countries, patients face the agonizing choice of foregoing treatment or plunging into debt to pay for care. Heman was heartbroken by the thought of families having to “choose between treatment and putting food on the table for their families” when confronted with a disease like skin cancer. His soap is meant to eliminate that terrible choice. If proven effective through further testing, it could allow someone in a rural village or an under-served urban area to treat early-stage skin cancer simply by using a medicated soap at home. That means early intervention could become accessible to populations that currently have little to no access to oncologists or costly procedures. Moreover, by making the treatment as routine as washing, it could improve adherence and reach people who might never set foot in a hospital until it’s too late. Heman’s approach also has implications for preventive care: one day, people at high risk (such as outdoor laborers or those with lots of sun exposure) might use his soap as a preventive measure to ward off skin cancers before they take hold. In short, the ripple effect of a 50-cent soap could be enormous – saving lives, reducing healthcare inequalities, and educating communities about skin health.

Heman is well aware that there is still a long road ahead to turn his prototype into a widely available treatment. The soap will need to go through rigorous clinical trials, gain regulatory approvals, and likely be refined further before it can be distributed to the public. Undaunted, Heman has a clear vision for the future. He has laid out a five-year plan in which he aims to establish a nonprofit organization to manufacture and provide his cancer-fighting soap to those who need it most. The prize money and support he’s garnered will help, but he knows that collaboration with medical experts and global health organizations will be key to making his dream a reality. If all goes well, Heman hopes that by as early as 2028, his soap could be undergoing the final steps to reach consumers. The prospect is inspiring: a low-cost, effective skin cancer treatment accessible to anyone, rich or poor. Even as a teenager, Heman speaks like a seasoned humanitarian innovator, focusing not on profit but on equity. “I think that my main goal here was not only to fight against skin cancer, but to find a more affordable and accessible approach to it,” he explained. This guiding principle is what makes his invention so much more than a science project – it’s potentially a blueprint for delivering healthcare solutions in an equitable way.

Inspiring a Generation of African Innovators

Heman Bekele’s story is more than just the tale of one brilliant teen; it symbolizes the vast potential of young African talent in science and innovation. In an era when global challenges like cancer demand fresh ideas, Heman has shown that those ideas can come from anyone – including a 15-year-old immigrant student with a big heart and bigger dreams. His journey from an Ethiopian childhood to winning America’s top young science honor is a beacon of inspiration for youth in Africa and the diaspora. It illustrates that being young or coming from a developing country is not a limitation but can be a source of unique perspective and motivation. Heman saw a problem affecting his homeland and the wider world, and instead of accepting it as unsolvable, he used his skills to try to fix it. In doing so, he has become a role model. “He’s going to continue to inspire other young people to realize that science can make a positive difference,” said his mentor Deborah Isabelle proudly. Indeed, seeing Heman’s achievements, countless other students – especially those of African origin – may realize that they too can aim high in STEM fields to solve the issues impacting their communities.

At just 15, Heman carries himself with humility and an unwavering focus on impact. When asked what drives him to pursue such lofty goals, he distilled his motivation into a single word: impact. Making sure that the science you’re working on can have a direct impact on the world or make it a better place, he elaborates. This ethos of using science for good is at the core of everything he does. In Heman’s story, young innovators see the embodiment of the idea that you’re never too young to change the world. His success also highlights the importance of providing opportunities and support to bright minds from all backgrounds. If a child mixing chemicals in his family kitchen can, within a few years, develop a potential cancer treatment, imagine what other problems might be solved if more youths across Africa and elsewhere are empowered to pursue their ideas. Heman Bekele’s incredible invention and the recognition he’s earned are proof that talent is universal, even if opportunities are not. His journey sends a powerful message: with curiosity, courage, and compassion, any young person – whether in Addis Ababa, Fairfax, or anywhere in between – can light the way to a brighter future. Heman’s story is just beginning, but it already shines as an inspiring example of hope, ingenuity, and the drive to make a difference.